Many people are nervous when it comes to getting the dental treatments they need. It’s something you may struggle with yourself, but sedation and sleep dentistry in Reston are great options to help you relax. They are designed to help you calm down and feel a sense of ease, but do they make you fall asleep? Here’s a closer look at what you should expect and whether they will let you sleep through your visit.

If you’re considering getting dental implants but are nervous about the surgery itself, the good news is that there’s no reason to be afraid. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from your treatment, including during and after the actual procedure.

Restoring your smile with the help of dental implants is an exciting chapter in your life, but one that surely comes with a lot of questions. If you’re upgrading your grin soon but would like some answers to a few mouth-related mysteries, keep reading!

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Because getting dental implants can be a very involved process, you likely want to know if all that time and effort is a worthwhile investment. The great news is that these restorations not only boast an impressive 95 percent success rate, but they also can last a lifetime if properly cared for. Furthermore, even if they do fail, there’s still a chance that they can be re-implanted following healing and additional treatment.

How Do I Clean My New Smile?

Just like your real teeth, you must keep your dental implants clean to ensure they stay healthy for a lifetime. Thankfully, there is no special maintenance required. You can brush them just as you would your natural smile, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. You should also floss daily and continue to see your dentist every six months for your regular, preventive dental exams and cleanings.

You can begin brushing your new smile 24 hours after dental implant placement surgery, and for added cleaning and soothing, rinse your mouth after each meal with a combination of ¼ teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Be sure to avoid mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide rinses for at least 14 days after your procedure.

Is Recovery Painful?

Local anesthesia used during dental implant surgery should begin to wear off about two to four hours after your procedure. If you have been given a prescription for pain medication from your dentist, be sure to take it as prescribed. If not, it is likely that your dentist doesn’t think you’ll need anything that strong and over-the-counter pain relievers should suffice. If you have any questions about dosages, please speak to your surgeon.

Will I Need Sutures?

In most cases, you will need sutures (stitches) following dental implant surgery. These are to keep the tissue together and prevent bacteria and debris from entering the incision site. Typically, your dentist will use dissolving stitches, which will fall out on their own in three to five days. If they do not, please call your dentist for further instructions. Never attempt to pull them out or cut them yourself!

Can I Smoke?

No, you cannot smoke. In fact, you should try to quit as soon as possible prior to your dental implant surgery and remain smoke free for as long as you can after placement- ideally forever. Smoking interferes with the body’s natural healing process and can even increase your risk of developing an infection and can cause dental implant failure.

Remember, getting dental implants is an exciting time in any person’s life, but one that is surely met with a lot of questions. Thankfully, this treatment is very safe and with proper care and maintenance, can be extremely successful. If you have any questions or concerns that aren’t mentioned above, reach out to your oral surgeon today for more information.

About Our Practice

At Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, & Implant Surgery, we are honored to help restore the smiles of our patients with durable, lifelike dental implants. We also understand that naturally, you may have a few questions for us. If you’d like to learn more about this treatment, schedule a consultation with us today. We’ll be happy to answer any queries you might have, including estimated timeline and cost. To schedule your dental implant consultation, visit our website for the location nearest to you.

Many oral healthcare providers consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild smiles after tooth loss because of their unique placement in your jawbone. However, those who have lost most or all of their natural teeth require more than one replacement tooth.

If you need to rebuild your entire arch, you might benefit from All-on-4 implants, which are surgically placed in your jawbone for added strength and stability. With that said, you must eat carefully after your procedure to avoid harming them. Continue reading to learn more about post-operative recommendations that can help protect your smile!

If you’re dealing with multiple dental concerns such as missing teeth, extensive decay, or bite problems, your dentist may recommend a full mouth reconstruction. This comprehensive treatment plan combines several restorative procedures to rebuild the health, function, and appearance of your smile. While the results can be life-changing, understanding the recovery process can help you feel more prepared and confident every step of the way.

If you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth removed, you may be wondering what happens next—especially when it comes to the stitches placed after surgery. Many patients worry about whether those stitches need to be removed or if they’ll disappear on their own. Understanding the type of stitches used and what to expect during healing can help you feel more confident during recovery.

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, often appearing in the late teens or early twenties. For some people, they erupt without any complications. For others, they can cause persistent discomfort or even severe pain. Understanding the common causes of wisdom tooth pain can help you know when it’s time to seek professional care—and how to find relief in the meantime.

Wisdom teeth are your last teeth to come in. They often start to erupt in your early 20s or a bit beforehand, but they may be a bit troublesome for a few patients. They can cause pain or crowding, but why do they exist? While it may seem third molars are nothing but trouble, they were important for your ancestors. Keep reading to learn why humans needed them and why they are often removed.

For many people, having their wisdom teeth removed is almost a rite of passage—something that happens during the late teens or early twenties. But what if you never had yours taken out? You might wonder if it’s too late to do it now. The good news is that there’s no such thing as being too old to have your wisdom teeth removed. While the process may differ slightly for older adults, successful extractions are still very common and can significantly improve your oral health.

Needing a tooth extracted can be a scary thing to face, and naturally, you might be a little nervous. Fortunately, this treatment is not only very safe, but also nothing to be afraid of. However, if you do find yourself feeling anxious about your upcoming procedure, here are six things you can try to help calm your nerves.